UK Work Permit Holder eligible for Temp Assignment in EU?

[jlmeyer]

Hi All.

My apologies if this is answered elsewhere on the forum, as my search did not reveal relevant results.

I'm a US citizen residing in the UK with a valid work permit with a UK based Accounting / consulting firm. My question is, can I legal travel to other countries, specifically mainland Europe, on a short term basis (a couple weeks at a time, max) to perform work on behalf of my UK employer.

I think my US passport would permit short-term stays in most other EU countries for business purposes without specific visas.

Thanks all

[lynn132]

Yes, I do this under HSMP as I frequently go to Ireland for business.

[Chess]

Yes, I do this under HSMP as I frequently go to Ireland for business.

Are you referring to Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland?

[Wanderer]

I think my US passport would permit short-term stays in most other EU countries for business purposes without specific visas.

Thanks all

I'd suggest that visa-waiver agreements refer to visitor/tourist activities not business.

So if you get checked at immigration control in say, Germany, how do you answer the question:

"What is the purpose of your visit?"

If you say 'business' I feel the next question might be 'But you have no business visa"

If you say 'tourism' then you would be entering fraudulently.

Just my thoughts!

Steve

[lynn132]

Yes, I do this under HSMP as I frequently go to Ireland for business.

Are you referring to Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland?

Republic of Ireland

[jlmeyer]

Actually, I'm looking to assertain if my UK work permit has any PROHIBITIONS against my work-related activities in other countries for a UK firm. I think short-term business trips (where I'm not actually employed by a resident firm) are covered by the Visa Waiver Programs in effect between the US and many European countries, independent of the UK.

For example, in Norway, US citizens do not require a visa to enter the country for stays up to 90 days. Norway will grant a visitor's visa if you "intend to travel to Norway as a tourist, on a family visit, on public business or a business trip, a study visit or other business which does not require a work or residence permit." (http://www.udi.no/upload/Faktaark/Engel ... sk0601.pdf)

This initial visitor's visa is valid for up to 90 days from entry. Its my understanding that the US has similar programs with many other countries.